CCOVI Overview

BackgroundThe Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University was developed in partnership with the Grape Growers of Ontario and the Wine Council of Ontario. Established in 1996, CCOVI is an internationally recognized research institute focused on research priorities of the Canadian grape and wine industry, and the continuing educational and outreach services needs of that community.

VisionOur vision is to be Canada’s centre of excellence with respect to the generation and dissemination of knowledge on cool climate viticulture, oenology, wine business, policy, wine tourism, wine culture and policy issues.

MissionCCOVI is dedicated to the advancement of the Canadian grape and wine industry, as well as other cool climate grape and wine producing regions of the world.

Our research, continuing education and outreach activities are based on three pillars – quality, innovation and sustainability – which reflect the values and goals of various individuals, organizations and institutions involved in the grape and wine industry.

To provide continuing education, professional development opportunities and outreach services for the grape and wine community and the community at large, to facilitate the advancement of the industry.

To train highly qualified personnel for the industry through the Brock oenology and viticulture (OEVI) undergraduate programs and graduate research programs at the MSc, MA, PhD levels conducted under CCOVI auspices.

CCOVI Advisory Boards:CCOVI Advisory Council is chaired by an industry representative. The Advisory Council is formed by Brock University to advise the Director of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute on how to optimize its benefits to the Canadian grape and wine industry. The Advisory Council provides a forum for accurate and timely two-way communications among CCOVI stakeholders. Specifically, the principal objectives of the Advisory Council are:

To present and consider the opinions of the Canadian grape and wine industries on the structure, content and relevance of CCOVI’s research and educational mission and mandate,

To advise CCOVI on the changing needs and priorities of the grape and wine industries, and

To communicate CCOVI’s research and educational activities and achievements to stakeholder communities

CCOVI Outreach Committee is chaired by the Coordinator of Wine Educational Events and Continuing Education. The mission of the committee is to identify key areas of outreach and continuing education that could benefit the industry, and to work with CCOVI to establish effective programs to address these needs. It is also the responsibility of the Outreach Committee to oversee the coordination of the Triggs Premium Vinifera Lecture Series.

CCOVI Executive Committee is chaired by the VP Research at Brock University. The Executive Committee compares CCOVI activities with the strategic plan and advises CCOVI accordingly through the Director on how well it is reaching the goals set out in the strategic plan.